Can You Eat Leftover Salmon? The Ultimate Guide to Enjoying Delicious Leftover Fish

Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish available. Rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids and various vitamins and minerals, it’s no wonder many of us enjoy salmon on a regular basis.

But like any perishable food, salmon has to be stored and handled properly to avoid spoilage and foodborne illness. So what’s the best way to store leftover salmon so it stays fresh and safe to eat? And how can you make the most of leftover cooked salmon fillets or steaks?

How to Store Leftover Salmon

The first step in safely enjoying leftover salmon is proper storage Here are some tips

• Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours of cooking, Don’t leave fish sitting out at room temperature

• Store cooked salmon in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating.

• Eat refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days. Frozen leftover salmon will keep for 2-3 months.

• Check for signs of spoilage before eating, like an off smell, slimy texture or discolored flesh. When in doubt, throw it out!

• Don’t refreeze previously frozen salmon after thawing. Cook it or toss it.

Following these refrigerator and freezer storage guidelines will help prevent bacterial growth and make your leftovers last.

Reheating Leftover Salmon Safely

Proper reheating is also crucial for enjoying salmon that’s already been cooked and stored. Here are some reheating tips:

• Defrost frozen salmon in the refrigerator before reheating. Don’t thaw at room temp.

• Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a food thermometer to check.

• Reheating on the stovetop or in the oven is best. Microwaving can cause uneven hot spots.

• Bring sauces, soups and gravies containing salmon to a boil before serving.

• Discard any leftovers you don’t finish after reheating. Don’t refrigerate again.

Following these steps will kill any bacteria that may have developed and make sure your leftover salmon is safe to eat.

Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Salmon

Now that you know how to properly store and reheat leftover salmon, what delicious ways can you use it up? Here are some tasty ideas:

Salmon Salad

Flake cold leftover salmon and mix into a salad with greens, vegetables, fresh herbs, citrus, nuts, beans and a vinaigrette or creamy dressing.

Salmon Burgers or Cakes

Finely chop salmon and combine with breadcrumbs, egg, herbs and spices. Shape into patties and pan fry.

Salmon Omelette or Frittata

Fold flaked salmon into egg mixture and cook like an omelette. Or bake the egg mixture in a pan with veggies and top with salmon.

Salmon Fried Rice

Stir chopped salmon into chilled rice with frozen peas, carrots, onions, eggs and soy sauce. Fry it up just like regular fried rice.

Salmon Pasta

Toss flakes of salmon with hot pasta, olive oil or butter, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Salmon Pizza

Top baked pizza crust with leftover salmon, mozzarella, tomatoes, red onion, capers and dill.

Salmon Avocado Toast

Mash avocado onto toast and top with flaked salmon, lemon juice, red pepper flakes and everything bagel seasoning.

Salmon Tacos

Warm corn tortillas and fill with chunks of salmon, cabbage slaw, avocado and salsa.

With a little creativity, leftover salmon can become so many quick and easy meals throughout the week. Just be sure to store, reheat and handle it properly for maximum freshness and food safety. Enjoy!

Yes, it is generally safe to eat leftover salmon the next day as long as it’s been properly stored. Leftover salmon can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Yes, it’s generally safe to eat leftover cooked salmon cold, according to multiple sources. In fact, many people prefer eating leftover salmon cold, as it can sometimes have a more pleasant flavor and texture compared to reheated salmon.